As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to remember that summer poses several electrical safety hazards that you may not be aware of. Expert Electric warns of dangers that are present when water meets electricity. Our team of Franco’s Electric electricians has compiled some summer electrical safety tips that you and your family should be aware of. Keep these in mind and you will enjoy a much safer summer!

• Outdoor extension cords are made to handle elements like water and heat. However, normal extension cords pose a major electrical threat if exposed to these conditions.

• Kids love to climb trees in the summer, but they should never climb trees that are too close to power lines; even if the tree isn’t touching a line, the child’s weight could cause a branch to touch the line.

• If you are wet or standing in the water, do not touch an electrical toy or appliance. Electricity travels very quickly through water and leads to electrocution!

• Do not allow power cord connections to become wet. Outdoors, dangers such as power lines in contact with water can pose electrical hazards. Indoors, submerged outlets or electrical cords may energize the water, a potential lethal trap. Before flipping a switch or plugging in an appliance, have an electrician check the house wiring and appliance to make sure it is safe to use.

• Make sure the electrical connections to your pools and hot tubs are fully grounded.

• Always stay away from power lines and electrical substations. If a lightning strike or other force has brought down a power line, call your utility company right away.

If you have any more questions about how to prepare your home for summer usage, call us! Also, never undertake any home do-it-yourself project that involves your electrical system without first calling Franco’s Electric electricians. Even if it seems a simple job, some electrical works can be dangerous without the right experience.